The mission project for our vacation Bible school this summer at First Presbyterian Church was Hannah's Garden of Hope. The children and adult volunteers purchased flowers for $1 to be placed in the Garden of Hope after their names were written on them. The funds received will go toward raising awareness, treatment and a cure for Rett Syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder.

The daughter of the Hooks' family, Hannah, was dignosed with Rett Syndrome last year. They are members of our church.

We have watched Hannah grow the last two years, her eyes shine with love and she wins everyone's heart. As said on her webpage www.hannahs­hopeforacure.com, "This disorder messes up almost everything she tries to do and it mainly affects girls. It is hard for her to talk and use her hands or move around but she can see us and hear us."

Hannah's mom and dad have been a true inspiration to all of us. They have a positive attitude and strong faith that Hannah will walk and talk someday. They have attended numerous Rett Syndrome conferences and continue to strive to do all they can with no government help to see that Hannah receives all the therapy and special care she needs.

Some very exciting news is that with past research they are super close to finding a cure for Rett Syndrome. Researchers believe it can be the first reversible neurological disorder perhaps paving the way to other treatments for autism, Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder and more.

Hannah along with her family has touched our hearts at First Presbyterian Church and we want to share Hannah's story of hope with others.